Yellowknife — August 19, 2024
With the new school year just around the corner, a new Back to School safety campaign is being launched to enhance the safety of NWT children as they return to school.
There’s a lot on the line is the new campaign that includes safety tips and reminders of road rules, particularly around schools. Messaging targeting distracted driving, crosswalk safety, child car seat restraints, school zones and school bus safety will be highlighted throughout the campaign. Each of these areas will have graphics and messages that are clear, straightforward, and easy to understand.
The Government of the Northwest Territories (GNWT) is promoting this campaign through the year-round Safe Driving Campaign with focused messaging on children’s safety in school zones for the start of the school year. There will be online resources and information on being road safe and keeping children safe as they start their school year.
For more information on school zone safety for children and drivers during the school year, visit https://www.inf.gov.nt.ca/en/services/highways-ferries-and-winter-roads/school-zones
Quote
“Ensuring the safety of our children as they return to school is a top priority for the Government of the Northwest Territories. The Back to School safety campaign is part of a broader initiative—the Safe Driving Campaign—aimed at reducing collisions and promoting safe driving practices across the Territories. We are committed to making our roads safer for everyone, and this campaign is a crucial step in that direction. I encourage all residents to be vigilant, follow the rules of the road, and join us in keeping our communities safe. There’s a lot on the line, and together, we can make a difference.”
- Caroline Wawzonek, Minister of Infrastructure
Quick facts
- The Back to School safety campaign is part of a bigger year-long Safe Driving Campaign.
- The City of Yellowknife has donated in-kind advertising support to this campaign.
- Statistics from the Canadian Automobile Association:
- Nearly a quarter of drivers say they have witnessed a near miss or collision in a school zone, more than half of which involved a child.
- Nearly half of Canadians say they witnessed a distracted driver in a school zone.
- Almost 6 in 10 Canadians say there are more unsafe driving practices in school zones today than in the past.
- 70% of Canadians say they have witnessed speeding in school zones.
- Top three unsafe motorist behaviours seen in Canadian school zones are speeding, illegal parking/stopping and distracted driving.
- Statistics from Transport Canada:
- September is a dangerous month for pedestrians, with more fatalities occurring during this month than any other.
Related links
For media requests, please contact:
INF Communications
Department of Infrastructure
Government of the Northwest Territories